Why Is My Calculation of Thermal Equilibrium Temperature Incorrect?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a student's confusion regarding the calculation of thermal equilibrium temperatures in two problems. The first problem involves 200g of aluminum at 300°C placed in a calorimeter with water, where the expected final temperature is 57.3°C. The student correctly identifies the formula mc*ΔT=mc*ΔT but struggles with the calculations, leading to incorrect results. For the second problem, which involves multiple metals and a calorimeter, the student is unsure how to begin, and a suggestion is made to convert temperatures from Celsius to Kelvin for accurate calculations. Understanding the proper application of the formula and temperature conversion is crucial for solving these thermal energy problems.
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I'm having some trouble with thermal energy problems. The first question goes like this.

200g of Al at 300 degrees C is placed into a 100g glass Calorimeter with 200g of water at 10 degrees C. What is the final equilibrium temperature of the system. The answer is 57.3 degrees C (the teacher always gives us the answers on homework).

I understand that the formula is mc*change in T=mc*change in T, but when I put in the equation my answer isn't even close. This is what I'm doing

2(742)(300-Tf)=2(4186)(10-Tf)

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

I have a similar question about another problem.

An Al calorimeter, 100g, that contains 500g of water at 10degC has the following put into it simultaneously. 200g of brass at 150degC, 200g of silver at 200degC, 100g of copper at 100deg C. Assuming no water loss due to vaporization, determine the final equilibrium temperature. The answer is 19.9degC.

I have no idea where to start this one...

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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In the formula Q = mc{\Delta}T that you use, T is expressed in Kelvins, so you should transform your temperatures from Celsius degrees to Kelvins.
 
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